Murals in Menomonie

Becoming a WallDog: Four Days, Fifteen Murals, One Incredible Community

This summer, we had a brush with history, and traveled with friend and fellow painter, Pamela Bliss, to the “WallDogs Murals in Menominee” festival in Menominee, Wisconsin. Two hundred artists from across the United States and beyond came together with one ambitious goal: transform an entire community through public art.

In just four days, the WallDogs completed fifteen large-scale murals throughout the city.

If you’ve never heard of the WallDogs, they are an international organization of sign painters, muralists, illustrators, and decorative artists who volunteer their talents to create historically inspired murals that celebrate the heritage of communities across America. The pace is intense, the days are long, and the logistics are astonishing.

Watching dozens of artists coordinate scaffolding, lifts, grids, paint, lettering, illustration, and finishing touches on multiple murals simultaneously was inspiring. Every mural represented hundreds of hours of planning before the first brush ever touched a wall.

What impressed me most was not only the murals, but the wide age range of participants—from teens to octogenarians—all collaborating for the love of painting.

Experienced artists shared techniques, solved problems together, and encouraged one another from start to finish. There was little ego and a strong sense of teamwork. It reminded me why I fell in love with creating art in the first place.

I painted alongside Pamela Bliss and a talented group of ten artists led by Joy Hernandez. We were Team “Swiss Miss.” The instant hot cocoa drink known as Swiss Miss was invented—and is still produced—in Menominee. Our mural recreated an early print ad: a black background with Swiss flowers, a Swiss maiden, and a beautifully rendered cup and saucer filled with hot cocoa.

Joy Hernandez not only led our team, she also debuted her documentary, “WallDog Daze,” during the festival! This girl can multitask!

The screening took place in the Menominee town park on a perfect summer evening, with the distant buzz of dirt track races from the fairgrounds just down the street. Projected on a bedsheet movie screen for a park full of WallDogs, the film brought their story—and their community—to life. It shared how the tragedy of losing a family farm grew into a lasting tradition and a united network of artists.

Throughout my career with Blice Edwards Decorative Painting & Murals, much of my work has been done independently or with a small team. Being part of a much larger group working toward a common goal was energizing. Each evening, you could walk through town and watch the transformation unfold block by block.

By the end of the festival, fifteen new murals had become lasting gifts to the community—works of art that tell local stories for generations to enjoy.

Joining the WallDogs is more than a milestone—it’s becoming part of a tradition. A community of artists who believe public art can strengthen communities, preserve history, and create places people are proud to call home.

We are grateful to everyone who organized the event, welcomed me into the group, and worked beside us during those unforgettable four days.